Story perspectives

Trump Expands Visa Bond Program to Seven New Countries

1/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump expanded the visa bond program by adding seven countries, effective January 1, 2026.
The new countries are Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan.
Bond amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are meant to ensure compliance, not guarantee approval.
The policy is part of broader measures to tighten entry, including in-person interviews and social media disclosures for visa applicants.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump expanded the visa bond program by adding seven countries, effective January 1, 2026.
The new countries are Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan.
Bond amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are meant to ensure compliance, not guarantee approval.
The policy is part of broader measures to tighten entry, including in-person interviews and social media disclosures for visa applicants.